PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Functional Genomics and Biotechnology Concentration of the Biosciences Doctoral Program is a research-oriented field of study that prepares students for significant contributions in an academic or industry setting. Areas of emphasis include microarray analysis of gene expression at the whole-genome level; the sequencing and analysis of genes and gene families; gene family evolution; molecular studies of the mechanisms of toxicology and mutagenesis; and biotechnological applications such as drug testing and design, protein purification and enzymology, and the construction of recombinant DNA gene fusions and targeted sequence changes.

Coursework is largely completed in the first two years of the program. In addition to the fundamental course requirements, students must take courses in laboratory methods, genomics, biotechnology, sequence analysis, and molecular genetics. Laboratory rotations, completed in the first year, impart laboratory skills and provide students a basis for selecting a mentor with whom to pursue their dissertation. Students may choose from a diverse group of faculty members for laboratory and dissertation supervision.

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